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The bathroom. It’s a place that you spend a decent amount of time in on a daily basis but it doesn’t seem to get nearly as much attention as other rooms in the house when it comes to deciding on what color to paint the walls. Oftentimes, not a lot of thought is put into bathroom paint colors simply because these rooms are undervalued because of size. While the small size of these rooms can be the reason not much thought is put into paint color, the contrary is what actually stands to be true. The small size of these rooms is exactly the reason why the color chosen for the bathroom is especially important.

The small size of a bathroom means the color has even more impact. The right color in a small room has the power to make a splash, while the wrong color can make going to the bathroom a painful nightmare.

When starting the bathroom color selection process, it is first important to ask yourself some crucial questions. First, do you want your bathroom to be relaxing or energizing? Trendy or timeless? Modern or classical?

Whatever mood and tone you are looking to create for your bathroom, the process of choosing a color will be a whole less daunting if you follow these steps and asks these questions when making a decision:

Choose colors that you like

Private or public?

Match the walls to the rest of the room

Natural or artificial light?

Select the paint finish

Choose Colors You Like

To start the process you need to make sure that you are only selecting potential colors that you could imagine in your bathroom. Remember, whatever colors you end up selecting will be part of your daily life and routine. Since you use the bathroom multiple times in a day, the color you choose will end up becoming a part of you in a sense.

Once you have selected a number of paint colors that interest you, narrow them down to about two or three options. Instead of painting swatch samples of the paint finalists directly on the wall, it’s best to buy some 8×10 flat canvas boards and paint each one as the color you are considering.

This system will allow you to move the paint color samples around the room easily and will also eliminate the mess and confusion of having multiple paint colors on the wall. Also, the 8×10 canvas boards are much larger than the small paint chips that many paint stores supply so you can really get a good visualization of what the color will look like.

Public or Private?

While ultimately you are in charge in the painting decision making process, it’s still important to put into perspective the space you are going to paint. A private space, such as a master bathroom, allows one to express a more personal and playful side since the bathroom will only been seen by you. It is here where you can really have some fun with bold, bright colors. Whatever makes you happy is fair game here.

However, for a public bathroom that would be used by guests, you will want to be a little more conservative. Public bathrooms are not so much the place for bold or vivid walls, but instead more calming and softer colors work best here.

Match the Walls

So now that you have narrowed down your color selection and decided the room’s target audience, it’s important to match the potential colors of the wall with the rest of the equipment and accessories in the bathroom.

Typically, when constructing a bathroom the toilet, sink, vanity and tub/shower have similar color tones. Normally the tones of the bathroom fixtures are fairly neutral and easy to match. While this is true most of the time, there are certainly exceptions in which case you will have to decide what’s best to match the walls to.

Nonetheless, it is at this point in the process that you have to ask yourself what you want the overall tone of the bathroom to be. For example, a bathroom that incorporates white marble and porcelain would have an entirely different look with soft green walls than walls of mystic blue.

Natural or Artificial Light?

Now that you have done some color matching, you need to see how the colors will look in different light tones. If your room has windows or skylights it’s especially important to view the paint color at different times of the day since a color will look different in natural daylight compared to how it will look in the nighttime.

If a bathroom does not have any windows or natural light, it’s important to check the type of lighting that you have installed in your bathroom to see how this will affect the wall colors. You can also even play with your light wattage and even change the type of bulbs (incandescent, halogen, or LED) in order to achieve the ultimate look that you are looking for.

Select the Paint Finish

You’re almost there! Now that you’ve decided on the color that you would like to paint your bathroom, you need to decide what type of finish of paint to choose. There are a number of different paint finishes to choose from. Particularly, choosing a paint finish for interior walls depends on the desired amount of shine and durability that you would like to have. The most common interior paint finishes include: flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and high-gloss with flat and semi-gloss ranking as the most popular and widely used among painters.

Ultimately, choosing the right paint finish for your bathroom depends on the look, durability and ambiance that you would like to achieve. Now that you narrowed down your color to one choice, buy some 8×10 flat canvas boards and paint each paint finish on the boards in order to compare and contrast.

Let the Painting Begin!

Finally you are ready to crack open the paint and dip in the paintbrush! Once you have decided on the color and finish, just go for it! Remember, ultimately it is only paint. If you paint the room and really aren’t happy with how the color turned out, you can always change it very easily. Ideally though, you will love how the bathroom turned out and the color will be part of your life for years to come!

As painters, we know that nothing brings out the best in a particular property like a fresh coat of paint. A new coat of paint can brighten up a room or boost the curb appeal of a business or residence in an instant. While there are many different ways to produce a high-quality end product, it’s important for painters to stay up-to-date on the latest and greatest advancements within the painting industry. In an industry that has been around for centuries, it may surprise some that there are still many advances and changes that are still developing within the painting industry.

It is easy for painters to get used to the daily grind, with the usual tasks and routines. Also, with the painting know-how that one already possesses, one might already have the notion that they know all there is to know about painting. That said, staying up-to-date could only help a painter advance his/her skillsets, which in turn can lead to an uptick in business. Whether you are a new painter just starting out in the industry or a veteran, the American Painting Contractor (APC) trade magazine is a valuable resource that contains worthwhile information and tips for anyone in the industry.

A monthly trade magazine, APC has been providing painters with useful industry advice for ninety years. The magazine can be accessed online at www.paintmag.com. Here, visitors can access a plethora of trade information. Specifically, the magazine includes the following noteworthy sections, all of which will be touched upon in more detail later in this article:

Monthly Trade Magazine

Paint TV

Paint Radio

E-Newsletter

Top Job

Paint Products

When it comes to better improving one’s painting craft or staying up to date on the latest trends, one can get started by exploring the six points above, all of which are made available on the APC website.

Monthly Trade Magazine

Each month, the APC includes a digital edition of the latest trade publication on its website for users to access. The publication is chock full of industry tips and advice. For example, a visit to the latest edition includes topics such as: proper ways to organize your paint truck, recommendations on how to make your business more eco-friendly, and there are even tips on what paint brush is best suited for the job at hand.

It is in the trade publication that one is also able to find advice on the best products for every painter’s need, which also includes discounts and coupons for these products thanks to the advertisers who appear in the publication.

The magazine also directs its readers to areas where they can go to find potential jobs and also provides an ad posting section, which gives painters advice on how to post an effective classified recruitment ad so painters can find a good crew.

Updated monthly, no two issues of the APC trade issue are ever the same as the content is always refreshed and updated. Past issues, going as far back as 2009, are also available on the website.

Paint TV

While the APC trade publication instructs readers through words, the Paint TV section of the site allows users to visualize the many topics discussed within the section.

On Paint TV, the site is categorized into many unique channels, including, but not limited to:

How-To section, which contains videos that show users how to prep, paint or even organize a truck.

Tools section, which provides users with reviews on a number of tools on the market and also instructs users on how to use these tools.

Commercial section, which includes a number of contractor’s painting commercials where users can see some great examples of successful and on-point ads in the marketplace.

The Paint TV section of the site also includes a portion sponsored by Homax, which provides product reviews and advice on the best Homax products to use when looking to repair or patch drywall.

E-Newsletter

A way to stay in the know on the latest industry news and trends, the E-Newsletter is a great way for the busy painter to still stay up-to-date.

Users are able to sign up for the newsletter by visiting the E-Newsletter page on the publication’s website. At no cost, the weekly electronic newsletter is filled with news and resources for painting contractors. With the easy-to-read E-newsletter, there is really no excuse to not be “in the know!”

In case you accidentally deleted your E-newsletter or want to access a back issue of the newsletter, the APC has conveniently archived back issues on the website which can be accessed by clicking on the E-newsletter tab on the site.

Top Job

As a way to give back to the painting community while also keeping readers engaged, the APC sponsors a “Top Job” contest, which is a great way to not only reward painters but the contest also has the potential to provide free publicity to the winners.

Painters are able to enter the content by submitting a before and after photo of a particular paint job as well as a brief description on why it is a Top Job.

Upon selection, winners receive free publicity through coverage in the APC monthly magazine, a ready-to-use press release, promotional items (magnets, decals, t-shirts, etc) as well as special recognition at the annual awards reception.

Paint Products

With so many different brands of paint in the market, and new and improving products released everyday, it can make selecting a particular paint product difficult. Luckily the APC has a section of the site that includes detailed product reviews and descriptions of paint and primer.

Upon visit to this section of the site, visitors are able to not only read reviews but they are also able to watch video product reviews from other professional painters, which helps reinforce the reviews and recommendations.

Final Takeaway

Now that you have an overall idea on what the American Painting Contractor (APC) has to offer, every painter should make it a point to visit the website (www.paintmag.com) and in just a few strokes you will be on your way to a becoming an even better painter!

Choosing an interior paint color for your home is a big decision. No matter if you are making a decision for one room or your entire home, once the project is complete you want to be happy with the end result. With so much riding on this decision, you need to be patient as you consider all your options. It is better to take your time than to rush into something, just to find that the final result does not suit your tastes. While some people know exactly what they want, others deliberate for days on end as they attempt to narrow their choices and make a final decision.

Remember, there is no right or wrong answer as to what color you paint the interior of your home. The choice is yours, and you should be comfortable with whatever you feel is best.

Before you ever make a decision, collect as many color swatches as possible for comparison purposes. You can typically pick these up by visiting a retail location that sells the type of paint you will be using. Soon enough, you will see that there are hundreds upon hundreds of choices. You don’t want to bog yourself down with too many color swatches, so stick to those that you may actually choose in the end.

Buy Samples

This may sound like a lot of work, but in the long run it can save you plenty of time and money. Most paint companies offer small sample jars, allowing you to take them home and apply to your walls direct. The benefit of this is that you can actually see what the paint will look like when it is on the wall, as opposed to a color swatch. Don’t worry about what it looks like, as you are going to paint over top of the color anyway.

Tip: purchase three to five samples, and then apply each one to the wall. As you stand back and look at your options, it may become clear as to which one is right for your home.

Generally speaking, color samples only cost a few dollars so you are not going to break the budget by taking this step.

Consider your Current Color Scheme

Unless you plan on redesigning your entire home, this is something you definitely need to consider when choosing an interior paint color. Which colors will best match your flooring and furniture? Which colors will best match any wall art that you have?

If you are comfortable making changes to your entire home, such as buying new furniture, this may not be that big of a deal to you. However, most people don’t have the money to make all these changes at once. For this reason, they select a paint color that matches their current color scheme and décor.

Hire an Interior Designer

Are you lost and looking for answers? Are you confused as to which colors would look best on your walls? If you are worried about making a poor decision and need assistance, you should consider the benefits of hiring an interior designer. These professionals have an eye for color. These professionals are able to provide you with the advice and insight you need to make the best possible decision.

If you are going to hire an interior designer, contact several professionals in your area to see what types of services they offer. You may find that one person is better suited to your project than another. Many people may never consider this idea, but you should definitely look into the benefits of bringing an interior designer into the equation. Hiring a professional will cost, but the advice you get in return is well worth it.

Ask a Professional Painter

If you plan on hiring a professional painter to paint your home, this is somebody who can really help you make a final decision on which color is best. Even though your painter may not be a designer, remember one thing: he has likely painted hundreds of homes in the past. For this reason, you can expect that the advice you receive is advice that can be taken to heart.

When it comes to color selection, you don’t have to hang on every word your painter says. You should be willing to ask for assistance. You should be willing to see what this person has to say, as they may provide you with an option you have yet to consider.

Your Final Decision

Now that you have a better idea of how you can better choose the right interior color paint for your home, there is one thing left to do: make a final decision. As noted above, this is a big choice as it is going to transform the look and feel of your home. If you follow this advice, you should not have a difficult time making a selection that you can be happy with for many years to come.

If all else fails, you can continue to compare your options until you are 100 percent sure of which one is best. At that point, it is time to move forward and finally complete the project you have been dreaming of for so long. Choosing an interior paint color should be exciting. Be patient, compare your choices, and get the advice of others. From there, the final decision is yours and yours alone!

Natural Gas Furnaces: With existing duct-work, this home improvement project can cost around $7,000; new duct-work can run nearly $15,000. While this may seem like a high number, it is important to remember that this ROI can be 100 percent or more!

Kitchen Remodeling: The average cost for kitchen remodeling is $17,000, with ROI estimated at a 70 percent range.

Bathroom Remodeling: The average cost of a bathroom remodeling project is $12,500, with a ROI of 78 percent.

Painting (House Exterior): Painting the exterior of your home has the highest ROI of any home improvement project (except for some high-efficiency furnace upgrades). With a ROI of 90 percent, this is worth every penny invested.

Painting (House Interior): Interior paint costs $12-$50 per gallon, so enough paint for one room costs roughly $25-$100. Factor in rollers, brushes, and drop clothes, and the project may cost $300 or more. An interior painting project has an ROI about 75 percent.

Outdoor Replacement Project: Add to the home’s curb appeal. Consider replacing the garage door, siding, the front door and windows. The average return on investment for projects like these is around 70 percent.

Attic Bedroom : The average cost for this task is estimated at $50,000, with a projected ROI of 72.5 percent.

Add an Additional Bathroom: An additional bathroom, even a half bathroom, adds significant value to your home, according to the experts at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The price of adding another bathroom to the house varies as well, depending on region. If you live on the West Coast, plan on paying almost $50,000 for a new bathroom, according to Remodeling Magazine. A half bath may add up to 10.5 percent to a home’s value, while a full bath can add 20 percent.

When shopping for paint or hiring a professional, you have many details to consider. Like others, your primary focus may be the cost of the project. After all, you only want to spend so much money to transform the overall look of your home. But did you know there is something else you should consider? Quality.

Many are under the impression that all paint is the same. For this reason, they spend most their time focused on the color and no time focused on the overall quality of the product. While this may not appear to be a big deal upfront, especially if you are saving money, over time you will begin to realize that a mistake was made.

Before we go any further, here is something to keep in mind: the best professional painters are serious about the quality of the products they use. If you are not comfortable with the paint selection offered by a professional, it may be time to move onto another.

There is no denying the fact that some paints are of better quality than others. Here are five points to consider, all of which we will touch on in more detail later in the article:

Price does matter

The type of paint you choose should be based on the location and your personal lifestyle

Which paint company is best?

Interior vs. exterior

Do you know the pigment percentage?

When it comes to better understanding the quality of different paints, you can get started by learning more about the five points above.

Price Does Matter

It is easy to get caught in the trap of shopping for the cheapest paint you can find, however, this is not the best practice.

Simply put, you should expect to pay more for higher quality paint. Knowing this, it will be easier to set your initial budget for the project.

Choose the Right Type of Paint

This is when hiring a professional comes in handy. If you are painting on your own, you may not know the first thing about your many options.

For example, if you are painting a family room, a space in which your family spends a lot of time, durability is extremely important. You know the walls will be subjected to lots of wear. On top of this, cleaning the painted walls from time to time will be necessary.

When painting bathrooms and kitchens, a high quality semi-gloss finish is often times suggested. This is extremely easy to clean, meaning that dirt, grime, and food particles will never harm the overall appearance. Instead, this finish can be cleaned, time and time again, without any negative impact.

Which Paint Company is Best?

Let’s face it: this is often times nothing more than a matter of opinion. You may have fallen in love with one paint company, while the next person has a different idea as to which provider is best.

Once again, when you hire a professional you never have to worry about this on your own. You can rely on the pro to rely on the paint company that provides a high quality product at an affordable price.

If you are not comfortable with their selection, ask them for a comparison to other similar companies. This will soon give you a better idea of why you should take their advice.

Interior vs. Exterior

This is one of the most important points to consider when it comes to painting in general, as well as the quality of the product you choose to use.

You are not going to use the same type of paint indoors as you would outdoors, and vice versa. Remember, outdoor paint is going to be exposed to intense conditions ranging from sunlight to rain to snow and much more.

If you choose low quality paint for an exterior project, for instance, don’t be surprised if you find yourself paying for the job again in the near future.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is using interior paint on the outside of your home or exterior paint on the inside.

Do you know the Pigment Percentage?

As a novice, this may not be a question you have ever asked yourself in the past. Professional painters know just how important this is, so they only use paints with the appropriate pigment percentage.

While there is no “set rule,” most agree that a pigment percentage of 45 percent is ideal. Anything lower than this can result in poor uniformity. If the percentage is much higher, the chance of blistering greatly increases.

One Final Thought to Consider

To go along with the points above, here is one final thought to consider if you are going to purchase low quality paint: the job will likely take you much longer to complete, and you may end up spending more money in the long run.

With cheap paint, you are going to spend more time completing the job since you will likely require multiple coats. Subsequently, you end up wasting a lot of time while also spending twice as much on paint. By purchasing a high quality product the first time around, you can save yourself time and money.

What Now?

There is most definitely a difference in paint quality, and you need to keep this in mind at all times. No matter if you are doing the job yourself or hiring a professional, if you choose anything but a high quality paint you may be disappointed with the end result.

A $10/gallon can of paint may better suit your budget, but if you bump your price range up to $30/gallon (give or take) the end result is going to be more in line with what you are hoping for.